Kilbreda College

1. Overview Kilbreda College is a Catholic girls’ secondary college in Mentone, Victoria, offering a values-driven education within a supportive, faith-based community. The school combines strong academic programs with a focus on personal growth, service, and leadership, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose for students. - School type: Catholic - School size: Medium - Class size: Approximately 20 students per class - Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, academically engaged ⸻ 2. Academics & Learning Kilbreda College emphasises well-rounded learning with opportunities across academic disciplines and leadership development. - Academic strengths: English, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), languages, and leadership development - Special programs: VCE pathway, gifted and talented opportunities, leadership development, and faith formation/service programs - NAPLAN trends: Steady performance with positive trends relative to state averages over recent years - Student-teacher ratios: Typically around 1:12 to 1:15 - Support for diverse learners: EAL support, SEN assistance, and targeted learning support where needed ⸻ 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths A strong focus on sport, arts, and clubs supports a balanced student experience. - Sports offered: Netball, Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball, Athletics, Swimming, Tennis, and more - Strong teams or achievements: Competitive inter-school teams with ongoing local competition success - Music, arts, drama programs: Choir, concert band, school productions, and other performing arts opportunities - Clubs: Robotics, Chess, Coding, Debating, and other interest-based activities - Partnerships: Local clubs and inter-school competitions that broaden competition opportunities ⸻ 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care Wellbeing is a central pillar of school life, supporting students’ personal and social development. - Anti-bullying approach: Clear policies, proactive education, and a focus on respectful, safe school culture - House system: House-based pastoral care and events to foster belonging and camaraderie - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: On-site counselling and wellbeing staff to support mental health and adjustment - Transition support for new students: Buddy programs, orientation activities, and family-friendly transition processes ⸻ 5. Facilities Facilities are designed to support learning, creativity, and wellbeing in a comfortable environment. - Sports grounds: On-site sports facilities and field spaces - Libraries: Well-stocked library with study spaces - Science labs: Modern science and laboratory spaces - Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces for music, drama, and performances - Tech/innovation labs: Updated spaces for technology and digital learning - Cafeteria: On-site canteen with healthy options - Updated playgrounds: Age-appropriate outdoor spaces and recreation areas ⸻ 6. School Values & Community Culture Kilbreda College aims to develop compassionate, responsible young women who contribute positively to their communities. - School values / mission: Catholic values of service, respect, integrity, and compassion - Leadership style: Collaborative and student-inclusive, with leadership opportunities for students - Behaviour expectations: Respect, responsibility, and integrity are core expectations - Community reputation: Known for a supportive, inclusive atmosphere and active parental engagement - Diversity & inclusion: Committed to welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and ensuring inclusion ⸻ 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations Practical information to help families plan around school life. - School hours: Typical Victorian school day from morning to mid-afternoon (check current term dates and times) - Before/after school care: Availability of care options outside school hours - Uniform requirements: School uniform policy with defined dress code - Transport: Access to local transport options and proximity to bus/train routes - Canteen availability: On-site canteen offering healthy meal and snack options - Fees: Private Catholic school fees in the mid-to-upper-mid range for the region ⸻ 8. Enrolment & Admissions Clear steps to begin the enrolment journey and secure a place. - What is the enrolment process and timeline?: Submit an application, followed by any required interview or assessment; offers typically issued on a defined calendar timeline - Waiting list: Waiting lists may apply when vacancies are limited; earlier applications generally have priority - Entry requirements, tests, or interviews?: Some years may require an interview and family/background information; standard English language and readiness considerations are common - Mid-year transfers: Possible subject to vacancies and school approvals; contact admissions for available places ⸻ 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A values-based Catholic education that combines academics, wellbeing, and community involvement in a supportive environment. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who are motivated to engage in both academics and co-curricular activities, and who value a caring, inclusive community. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - A range of VCE pathways, gifted/accelerated opportunities, competitive sports, music and drama programs, debates, robotics, and coding clubs. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates via email, the school website, newsletters, and parent-teacher meetings; ongoing notifications about events and student progress. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A balanced approach combining robust curriculum delivery, pastoral care, and opportunities for student leadership and collaboration. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted learning support, EAL and SEN services, and access to tutoring or additional classroom assistance as needed. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Dedicated staff, counselling services, and personalised learning plans or adjustments where appropriate. - How does the school communicate with parents? (repeated) - See above: regular updates, newsletters, portals, and parent-teacher interactions. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are designed to be small-to-mid in scale (around 20 students per class) to maximise teacher interaction and support. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A broad offering across sports, music, drama, and clubs such as robotics, chess, coding, and debating. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Comprehensive facilities including sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts centers, tech/innovation labs, and a canteen. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital tools and platforms to support learning, collaboration, and creative projects across subjects. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Access to local bus/train routes and proximity to public transport options; details available from the admissions office. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees fall within the mid-to-upper-mid range for private Catholic schools in the area; additional costs may apply for trips, activities, or materials. ⸻ 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros: - Strong values-based education with a supportive, inclusive culture - Solid academic program with diverse subject choices and pathways - Active co-curricular scene (sports, arts, clubs) - Focus on wellbeing, pastoral care, and student leadership - Modern facilities and a welcoming campus environment - Cons: - As a private Catholic school, fees may be higher than public options - Competitive admissions at some year levels; waiting lists can apply - Small-to-medium class sizes require timely enrolment to secure a place ⸻